Dan Burke
About Dan Burke
Dan Burke serves as the Materials and Process Lead for the Electric Propulsion Unit at Joby Aviation, where he has worked since 2022. He has a strong background in materials science, having held various research and scientific positions at notable organizations including Tesla and CooperVision.
Work at Joby Aviation
Dan Burke has served as the Materials and Process Lead for the Electric Propulsion Unit at Joby Aviation since 2022. In this role, he focuses on selecting and qualifying materials specifically for electric aviation applications. His work contributes to the development of materials for electric propulsion systems, which is crucial for advancing Joby Aviation's mission in the electric aviation sector. The position is based in San Carlos, California.
Previous Experience in the Industry
Before joining Joby Aviation, Dan Burke held several positions in the materials science field. He worked at CooperVision as a Scientist from 2013 to 2016. Following this, he joined Tesla, where he served as a Sr. Polymer Scientist from 2016 to 2019 and then as a Staff Polymer Scientist from 2019 to 2021. His experience at these companies provided him with a strong foundation in materials development and application.
Education and Expertise
Dan Burke earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, completing his studies from 2002 to 2006. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry at UC Santa Barbara, where he studied from 2006 to 2012. His academic background equips him with extensive knowledge in materials science, particularly in the context of electric propulsion systems.
Research and Academic Background
Dan Burke's academic career includes significant research experience. He was a Graduate Student Researcher at UC Santa Barbara from 2006 to 2012, where he focused on advanced materials. Additionally, he worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of California, San Diego for one year from 2012 to 2013. He also served as a Teaching Assistant at UC Santa Barbara from 2006 to 2008, contributing to the education of undergraduate students.